US demands South Sudan allow rebel chief's return

The United States blamed South Sudan’s government on Sunday for the latest hold-up in efforts to end its civil war, but warned both sides the world will not tolerate backsliding. Rebel leader Riek Machar had been due to fly to Juba from Ethiopia on Saturday to join a transitional government, but President Salva Kiir’s government blocked his flight. “This marks the third time this week that plans for Machar to return … have been frustrated by one side or the other,” the senior diplomat told AFP in Washington.